Friday, January 25, 2013

Driving home from work yesterday I caught this public service announcement on the radio:

First of all, let me just say that I have a new found respect for Sheriff Clarke. And he has a real badass cop-sounding voice to boot.

Anyways, there are many things I find interesting about this PSA.

First, the message at its core is acknowledging that police really have no ability to help during a violent crime in progress. I think most people already know this, but to hear the top cop in the largest county in Wisconsin say it certainly clears it up if there was any doubt.

Second, he is encouraging people to be accountable for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones. Don't think for a second that a violent criminal is going to want to negotiate your safety. They prefer to prey on the weak and the helpless because they won't fight back.

Third, he infers that the best way to protect yourself and your family is with a firearm. I hope the public takes this for what it's worth instead of turning it into a political argument. David Clarke is non-partisan and has gone toe to toe with many Democrat and Republican politicians in his day. He has always supported the 2nd Amendment because he has seen how it has made a difference in situations where there are violent criminals involved.

The fourth, final, and most important thing he is communicating is that people should be properly trained to use their firearm in case they are ever forced to defend themselves. This doesn't mean simply taking a concealed-carry course or going to a gun range and having someone showing you how to shoot. Those are just the initial steps. Simply having a gun lying around for self defense doesn't mean you will be able to defend yourself and your family with it successfully. You must become proficient with your firearm. Practice, practice, practice, and more and more practice. Treat it as a second or third hobby so it becomes part of your way of life.

As Sheriff Clarke states in the PSA, "You have a duty to protect yourself and your family." Becoming a good shot through practice will ensure that if the time comes, you'll be ready.